Compare Januvia vs. Afrezza
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers your blood sugar.
Januvia (sitagliptin) is a good add-on treatment if your blood sugars are not controlled and you don't want to use an injectable medicine.
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3.2/ 5 average rating with 143 reviewsforJanuvia
Controls mealtime blood sugar.
Afrezza (insulin) is effective at controlling blood sugar, but you can't use it if you've had lung problems or smoke.
Upsides
- Oral blood sugar-lowering medicine.
- Januvia (sitagliptin) is not linked to worsening heart failure like other medicines in its class.
- Uses the hormones naturally produced by your body to affect how sugar is processed.
- It is less likely to cause weight gain and low blood sugar compared to other diabetes medicines.
- Afrezza (insulin) is as effective as other mealtime insulin products.
- Starts working faster and stays in your body for a shorter time than other mealtime insulin products, so you're less likely to have severely low blood sugar.
- If you don't like needles, Afrezza (insulin) is a good alternative since you inhale it.
- Safe to use in people 65 or older.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to lower your copay, such as coupons.
Downsides
- Lowers A1c (average blood sugar over time) by less than 1%.
- Available as brand version only.
- Some people might get frequent cold-like symptoms.
- Rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis and severe joint pain.
- Not recommended if you're a smoker or if you've smoked in the last 6 months.
- Afrezza (insulin) only comes in 3 different strengths, so it can be inconvenient if you need a lot of insulin.
- Not recommended in children under 18.
- If you're pregnant, you'll need to talk to your doctor before you start Afrezza (insulin).
- There is no generic available, and may not be covered right away by Medicare or other insurances.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Inhalation powder
Price
Lowest price
$490.99
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$371.69
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Reviews
143 reviews so far
44%
saidit'sworth it
34%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Januvia (sitagliptin)?
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Side effects
6possible side effects
- Cough28%
- Throat pain or irritation6%
- Headache5%
- Worsening lung function test3%
- Airway inflammation3%
- Urinary tract infection2%
Risks and risk factors
- Death from inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- History of pancreatitis
- High blood triglyceride levels
- Gallstones (stones in gallbladder)
- History of alchoholism
- Kidney problems
- Serious allergic reactions
- Kidney damage
- Pre-existing kidney damage
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Taking medicines for diabetes
- Severe joint pain and swelling
- Low blood sugar
- Changes in diet and exercise
- Drinking alcohol
- Taking other medications for diabetes
- Over age 65
- Liver or kidney problems
- Breathing problems
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Other long term lung problems
- Low blood potassium levels
- Taking laxatives
- Taking medications that increase urination
- Worsening lung function
- Smoking
- Second-hand smoke
- Indoor and outdoor pollution
- Work-related fume and chemical exposure
- Fluid buildup
- Taking Avandia or Actos
- Too much acid in the blood
- Type 1 diabetes
- Long periods of fasting
- Alchohol abuse
- History of pancreatitis